Robert Klapper

Robert “Bob” Klapper, of Montello, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the age of 89 at Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital in Portage. Bob was born on November 25, 1936, in Beaver Dam, the son of Edward and Eleanor (Kurkowski) Klapper. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School and proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. Bob completed basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado, and wheeled vehicle training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was stationed in West Germany during the Berlin Crisis for 18 months.

On November 28, 1959, Bob was united in marriage to Sandra Walters at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Beaver Dam. Together, they were blessed with four children.

Bob began his lifelong love of bowling while setting pins at his parents’ bowling alley, Club 33, in Beaver Dam. He enjoyed camping, fishing, woodworking, and especially singing karaoke. In his early years, Bob worked in the factory. Bob and Sandy later owned and operated Lakeside Bar and Klapper Realty in Montello, each for seven years. In retirement, they enjoyed wintering in Florida for more than 20 years.

Bob is survived by his four children: Dennis (Becky), Debra Buchholz, Daniel (Andrea), and Dina (Nathan) Schultz, all of Montello. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Connor (Emily), Emma (Joe), Matt (Tasha), Michelle, Aaron, Jesse, Tiffany, and Sophie (Spencer); as well as six great-grandchildren: Deacon, Lennon, Dekker, Charlotte, Avery, and Daisy. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sandra, in 2022; grandson, Sean Klapper; son-in-law, Darrell Buchholz; his brother, Duane Klapper, and sisters: Alice Imme and Joyce Hagen.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert Klapper will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Montello. Visitation will be held from 9:00 until 10:45 AM at the church. Father Savio Yerasani will preside and burial with full military honors will follow at Montello City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Robert’s name may be directed to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Montello or Budda Box of Marquette County.

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Montello and Oxford is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com